§ 10. Sir W. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many doctors in general practice experience difficulty from time to time when dealing with foreign visitors wishing to make use of the National Health Service, having regard to the uncertainty which exists as to whether or not hospitals are prepared to admit such visitors to public wards; and whether he will issue some guidance in the matter.
§ Mr. PowellHospitals already have guidance on this. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonIs it not a fact that so long as a visitor get past the immigration authorities hospitals will accept him under the National Health Service as a bona fide visitor to this country?
§ Mr. PowellA visitor to this country, whether bona fideor not, has no entitlement to treatment for a non-urgent condition. Of course, emergency treatment is given, but hospitals realise that a visitor has no right to treatment for a non-urgent condition.